Thanks to those of you who have already submitted your bcmcXpress annual intent form!  Please submit your intent form by Nov 22. Click here for the intent form.    — Finance Committee (Al Peters. Judy Friesen, Paul Harder, Gwen Neufeld, LaVern Stucky; Mike Claassen, Finance Manager).

On the first Sunday of Advent, Nov 29, we will be celebrating communion together (virtually).  If you would like to receive a slice of home-baked bread for this service, please email or call Monica at the church office.  Bread will be delivered to your home on Saturday, Nov 28.

As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach we are provided an opportunity to be generous and exhibit care to those around us.   One of the ways BCMC provides help for those in need is through the Caring Fund, administered by the Deacon Commission. In the past year we have sent funds to 5 different agencies, and several individuals.  This is an opportunity for you to help replenish the Caring Fund as more needs are expected to become apparent to us. Please help us provide funds for those individuals that need food, rent, utilities,  and for organizations that provide shelter, assistance and care for those in this community, this country, and around the world.  Please contribute by earmarking your contribution for the Caring Fund. Thanks, Jim Robb, Deacon Chair

Thank you to our BCMC community for your love and support that we have experienced throughout Marvin’s illness and his passing on November 1st.  The many gifts through the memorials, the cards with caring notes, the phone calls and the food that was brought to the house indicated the immense impact that his life had on this community of faith.  May God richly bless each one of you. The family of Marvin Holck

BCMC’s week to provide volunteers and meals to New Hope shelter is Nov. 18-24.  We need some evening volunteers, overnight volunteers, and meals.  New Hope takes every Covid precaution, but I understand that that does not give 100% assurance.  If you have interest in helping, please contact Valetta Seymour at seymour2314@gmail.com   or 620-217-7536.

BCMC Offering for November 15-22:  General Fund $3,725; MCC Meat Canning $450; Living Stones $90; Elevator Repair $25.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:  In many North American Indigenous cultures, every day is Thanksgiving Day. For the Onondaga People around Lake Ontario, the morning begins with the Thanksgiving Address, known as the “Words that Come Before All Else.” Join Mennonite Mission Network in thanking God for the good gifts that sustain us even in difficult times.

Western District Conference Prayer Request:  Give thanks for the gifts of leadership, vision, prayer, financial support, and volunteer time that WDC members have shared to support WDC’s ministry this year.

Western District Conference Announcements:
·  Giving Tuesday is December 1 – Western District Conference invites you to join this global giving initiative! Share a gift with WDC during this season, to help our congregations Witness & invite others to faith in Jesus Christ, Dwell in just & loving relationships, and Connect to God’s mission in the world. You may make an online contribution HERE or send a check to Western District Conference, PO Box 306, North Newton KS  67117. Thank you for your generosity!   
· Keep Awake!  The WDC Israel-Palestine Task Force invites you to use these worship resources for the First Sunday of Advent that highlight liberation for oppressed peoples, including our sisters and brothers in Palestine.  See the link here:   https://www.fosna.org/keepawake 
· Due to Covid-19 concerns, the Western District Conference office and Resource Library are closed until further notice.  All staff members are working from their homes.  The best way to contact a staff member is by email, or messages can be left at 316-283-6300.  Phone messages will be checked as possible. 
· Staff email addresses:
· Heidi Regier Kreider, Conference Minister, heidirk@mennowdc.org
· Kathy Neufeld Dunn, Associate Conference Minister Kansas-Based, kathynd@mennowdc.org
· Lee Lever, Interim Conference Ministry Liaison for Texas (through Nov 30), leelever@mennowdc.org
· Sandra Montes-Martinez, Administrative Assistant (Texas) (through Nov 30, transitioning to Associate Conference Minister Texas-Based beginning Dec 1), sandram@mennowdc.org 
· Beth Yoder, Business Manager, busmgr@mennowdc.org
· Jennie Wintermote, Library Director, crlib@mennowdc.org
· Nancy Funk, Administrative Assistant, wdc@mennowdc.org

Camp Mennoscah announcements
·  Camp Mennoscah is a wonderful place for family gatherings of whatever size!  A variety of facilities fit any number of family groupings.  Or maybe you only need a space during the day for walking the trails or playing disc golf.  There is plenty of outdoor space!  Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 or office@campmennoscah.org to reserve!  You are welcome here!
· We’re thinking s’mores and socially distanced activities.  The Camp Mennoscah Christmas Gathering is tentatively being planned as an outdoor event on Saturday, December 12 at 2:30 pm.  Registration required.  Call 620-297-3290!  Plans may change depending on coronavirus case rates and the desire to keep everyone safe.  Bring your mask!

Bethel College Announcements:
· Order Christmas goodies and gifts at Bethel College Women’s Association online market. Find hand made crafts, and one-of-a-kind items, and fresh homemade treats including peppernuts, zwieback, cinnamon rolls, poppyseed rolls, and candies at bcwamarketonline.com. Place your order by December 1, and pick up at Bethel College Mennonite Church south entrance from 10:00 am to noon Saturday, Dec 5. This event is part of the annual Five Places of Christmas, sponsored by Newton Chamber of Commerce, and all proceeds will support Bethel College. And, if you are not local, most items can be shipped including peppernuts! Christmas shopping and supporting Bethel at the same time doesn’t get much better than that.
· Baked goods sign up:  A call-out for local bakers to support Bethel College. For years Bethel College Women’s Association (BCWA) has been a location for 5 Places of Christmas selling crafts and baked goods. BCWA is asking for support in making baked items for the event which is December 5. Please follow the link below for sign-up options. Thanks for your continued support of Bethel College!  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4BABAF2EA4FDCF8-baked

· Now on display in the Regier Art Gallery, Luyken Fine Arts Center, at Bethel College: “Noir + More,” recent work by Denise Brueggeman. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Please note that face coverings must be worn and physical distancing observed on the Bethel campus.

Mennonite Church USA Announcements:
· Giving Tuesday is coming up on December 1. Your contribution to Mission Network will help us Be the Gospel through our valued partnerships, ministries, and resources. Visit MennoniteMission.net/Donate to give on or before December 1. 

· Mennonite Voluntary Service is accepting applications for the 2021-2022 service term. Two units are still accepting applications for this year! Serve, learn, and grow in faith with a community of your peers! Visit MennoniteMission.net/MVS to learn more!

A memorable, meaningful and unique Mennonite Central Committee gift to give this Christmas! Grab a piece of MCC history to use in a modern day Mennonite feeding station – your home! Get one for yourself and order more for family and friends. Hang it on the wall in your kitchen or dining room, display it on a shelf or use it as a serving tray! Remember the kitchen at your church, too. Each tray was uniquely handcrafted by an artisan in Siberia using Siberian hardwood. The tray is 16” in diameter and 2” deep.  Call the Mennonite Central Committee at 316-283-2720 for details.  

Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) is seeking a part time Administrative Assistant that will provide administrative support to the leadership of MDS Region 3 and its units (Central States – west of the Mississippi). The position is home-based within Region 3. Applicants must be active in an Anabaptist church and committed to the Anabaptist faith and peace position.  See the full job description at mds.mennonite.net/about-us/employment. Resumes may be sent to jobs@mds.mennonite.net. Review of resumes begins immediately. Recruitment continues until the position is filled.  Region 3 is comprised of the following states:  Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas

Mennonite Central Committee asks for support for Central American hurricane recovery. Not one, but two hurricanes within two weeks have caused extensive flooding in Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua. Hurricanes Eta and Iota have destroyed crops and forced people from their homes. MCC is working with churches and community organization to provide emergency food, hygiene supplies and cleanup support. Join us as we help these communities recover. You can donate online mcc.org/eta-iota-relief, by phone (888) 563-4676 or by mail at MCC, 21 S. 12th St., PO Box 500, Akron PA 17501. 
 
Join MCC for a series of “MCC and me” webinars to hear more about service opportunities. Are you ready to step out and into service? To gain new skills and experiences while working for relief, development and peace in the name of Christ?
MCC is working to adapt our programming as the situation with COVID-19 develops. All sessions relate to anticipated service needs, though timing and some other details may be subject to change.
•             December 9 at 7 p.m. EST: Serving and Learning Together (SALT)
•             January 13 at 3 p.m. EST: Summer Service leadership program
•             February 25 at 10 a.m. EST: Sharing With Appalachian People (SWAP) summer staff
•             February 25 at 8 p.m. EST: International service worker
•             March 6 at 12 p.m. EST: International service worker
•             March TBD: Mobile Meat Canner
For more information and to register: mcc.org/mcc-me-webinar-series-service-opportunities

Have yourself a honkin’ good holiday at MCC in North Newton! This drive-thru event on Dec. 11 from 4-6 p.m. is a unique way to safely enjoy some delicious Christmas cheer while supporting the worldwide work of Mennonite Central Committee. Each charcuterie box is composed of seasonal artisan meats and cheeses, olives, fruit, mixed nuts and seasonal treats with crackers served on the side. A box serves two generous appetizer portions. RSVP by 5 p.m. on December 4 to reserve yours! Share your Christmas joy by ordering extra boxes to deliver to family and friends. Take a moment and treat yourself this holiday season! Suggested donation per box is $25. Email centralstates@mcc.org to reserve your charcuterie box today! Find more information and photos at mcc.org/honkin-holiday.

We invite prayers for Willis Harder and family on the death of his wife, Dorothy, November 4.  A private memorial service and inurnment were held November 14, 2020.

We offer our sympathy to Mary Gaeddert and her family on the death of her husband, John Gaeddert.  John died Thursday, Nov 12, at Kidron Bethel Village.  Following is what the family of John writes: “John W. Gaeddert, age 96, passed away on November 12 with his family around him. The family deeply regrets that, due to the pandemic, they will not be able to celebrate John’s life with the people of the congregations he so loved. A private memorial and burial service is being planned.”

Thanks to those of you who have already submitted your bcmcXpress annual intent form!  If you haven’t yet completed it, you can do so electronically by clicking this link https://flinthillsdesign.wufoo.com/forms/bcmcxpress-2021-intent-to-give/.  If you prefer to fill out a paper copy, please call the church office, and we’ll make sure you get one. Please submit your intent form–electronic or paper–by Nov 22.    — Finance Committee (Al Peters. Judy Friesen, Paul Harder, Gwen Neufeld, LaVern Stucky; Mike Claassen, Finance Manager).  

To view Marvin Holck’s memorial service held November 6, at Dyck Arboretum, click on this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zPpjSI_wY1cew52P6cDiiY-EW9Sx6qv7/view?usp=sharing

BCMC’s week to provide volunteers and meals to New Hope shelter is coming up Nov. 18-24.  We need some evening volunteers, overnight volunteers, and meals.  New Hope takes every Covid precaution, but I understand that that does not give 100% assurance.  If you have interest in helping, please contact Valetta Seymour at seymour2314@gmail.com or 620-217-7536.

According to the latest numbers, we still need $666.12 to cover the elevator repair.  Based on the estimate from Regier Construction, we need $35,081.03 to cover the kitchen/fellowship hall renovation.
Contributions from January 1 through October 31 were $367,730 and expenses were $385,667, leaving a shortfall of $17,937.   ~ Mike Claassen, BCMC Finance Manager
BCMC Offering for November 8-15:  General Fund $10,615.33; MCC Meat Canning $125; Living Stones $505; Transfer-Sunday School $25; Elevator Repair $500.

The Hesston College Nursing program is partnering with Slate Creek Elementary, and looking for reusable mask donations from local businesses and organizations.  There are 200 students total who need pediatric sized masks.  The goal Hesston College Nursing has for the school is to promote mask hygiene, and the students will need another mask while they wait for theirs to dry after washing.  We understand that 200 masks is quite the undertaking, so any number of masks that you would be able to provide would be greatly appreciated.   If you would like to donate some child-sized masks, you can bring them to the BCMC office and the office will see to it that these masks are delivered to the Hesston College Nursing Program.  — Noah Miller, Hesston College Nursing Program

Everence to hold Medicare webinar: Nov. 16
Everence will host its popular workshop, Make Medicare an easy step, as a webinar on Monday, Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about the various Medicare plans and what they cover; plans that supplement Medicare; and enrollment details and deadlines. This webinar is free. Please register by contacting our office at 877-467-7294, 316-283-3800 or central.kansas@everence.com. *Attendance is recommended for those approaching retirement or those ready to sign up for Medicare. Advisory services offered through Investment Advisors, a division of ProEquities Inc., Registered Investment Advisors. Securities offered through ProEquities Inc., a registered broker-dealer, member FINRA and SIPC. Investments and other products are not NCUA or otherwise federally insured, may involve loss of principal and have no credit union guarantee. Products and services offered through Everence Trust Company and other Everence entities are independent of and are not guaranteed or endorsed by ProEquities, Inc., or its affiliates.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:   Mennonite Mission Network’s Colorado Springs Service Adventure unit helps extend the ministry of Beth-El Mennonite Church through building relationships in the community. Pray for Elyse Burton as she helps families who are homeless and for Makenzie Shelman as she works with people with disabilities. Pray also for unit leader Cindy Headings.

Western District Conference Prayer Request:  Pray for WDC staff in their daily work of sustaining transformational leaders, resourcing missional congregations, and encouraging church planting partnerships in our conference.

Western District Conference Announcements:
· Associate Conference Minister transition: WDC announces that Sandra Montes Martinez has accepted a call to serve as WDC Associate Conference Minister based in Texas. She will begin in this role half-time on December 1, 2020 and move to full time on February 1, 2021.  Sandra’s appointment follows consideration of multiple candidates by a Search Advisory Committee composed of representatives from the WDC Executive Board, Ministerial Leadership Commission, Church Planting Commission and Staff Relations Committee.  Sandra brings a wide range of church and ministry-related experience, passion for missional church leadership in an Anabaptist/Mennonite context, bilingual and cross-cultural competency, pastoral and organizational skills, and strong relationships within Western District Conference and Mennonite Church USA. She has attended Seminario Anabautista Menonita in Caracas, Venezuela;  Los Angeles Mission College in Sylmar, California; and Instituto Bíblico Anabautista (IBA) and Seminario Bíblico Anabautista Hispano (SeBAH), programs of Mennonite Education Agency.  Sandra has formerly been serving as a credentialed pastor at Iglesia Cristiana Menonita Monte Horeb in Dallas, TX;  Administrative Assistant for WDC in Texas; and Executive Director for Iglesia Menonita Hispana (IMH), a constituency group of Mennonite Church USA.  She plans to continue giving leadership to Academia Liderazgo Misional Anabautista (ALMA), a missional leadership initiative of IMH.  WDC is excited to welcome Sandra to this new role of Associate Conference Minister in WDC!  A formal installation for Sandra will be planned at a later date.  Lee Lever will conclude his role as WDC’s Interim Conference Ministry Liaison for Texas on November 30, 2020.    
· Giving Tuesday is December 1 – Western District Conference invites you to join this global giving initiative! Share a gift with WDC during this season, to help our congregations Witness & invite others to faith in Jesus Christ, Dwell in just & loving relationships, and Connect to God’s mission in the world. You may make an online contribution HERE or send a check to Western District Conference, PO Box 306, North Newton KS  67117. Thank you for your generosity!  
· On November 22 at 4 pm, Rainbow Mennonite Church of Kansas City, KS, will host an ordination service in honor of Roseann Penner Kaufman, Minister of Music and Worship.
· Due to Covid-19 concerns, the WDC office and Resource Library are closed until further notice.  All staff members are working from their homes.  The best way to contact a staff member is by email, or messages can be left at 316-283-6300.  Phone messages will be checked as possible. 
· Staff email addresses:
· Heidi Regier Kreider, Conference Minister, heidirk@mennowdc.org
· Kathy Neufeld Dunn, Associate Conference Minister Kansas-Based, kathynd@mennowdc.org
· Lee Lever, Interim Conference Ministry Liaison for Texas (through Nov 30), leelever@mennowdc.org
· Sandra Montes-Martinez, Administrative Assistant (Texas) (through Nov 30, transitioning to Associate Conference Minister Texas-Based beginning Dec 1), sandram@mennowdc.org  
· Beth Yoder, Business Manager, busmgr@mennowdc.org
· Jennie Wintermote, Library Director, crlib@mennowdc.org
· Nancy Funk, Administrative Assistant, wdc@mennowdc.org

Camp Mennoscah announcements
· Camp Mennoscah is a year-round campground!  Ask about winterized facilities or conquer the prairie wilds in a tent.  It’s a whole new world in the winter–and available for you!  Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 to make a reservation.

Bethel College Announcements:
· Bethel College Women’s Association has worked to raise money for Bethel for many years.  This August we are opening our first online store, www.bcwamarketonline.com.  We invite you to help us support Bethel by checking this online market for crafts, jewelry, Bethel-themed items and much more. Our inventory will change over time so please check in to find that special gift or item for your home. 
· Baked goods sign up:  A call-out for local bakers to support Bethel College. For years Bethel College Women’s Association (BCWA) has been a location for 5 Places of Christmas selling crafts and baked goods. BCWA is asking for support in making baked items for the event which is December 5. Please follow the link below for sign-up options. Thanks for your continued support of Bethel College!  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4BABAF2EA4FDCF8-baked
· Now on display in the Regier Art Gallery, Luyken Fine Arts Center, at Bethel College: “Noir + More,” recent work by Denise Brueggeman. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Please note that face coverings must be worn and physical distancing observed on the Bethel campus.

KIPCOR’s ONLINE 2020-2021 Film Series
The November film is Cooked: Survival by Zip Code, a multiple-award winning documentary that focuses on the deadly 1995 Chicago heat wave to illustrate how minorities and low-income citizens suffer the most negative impact from natural disasters.  The film is an indictment of our nation’s disaster preparedness, and forges a link between extreme weather, extreme disparity, and extreme racism. 
Note that watching the film and participating in the Talk-back are two distinct, separate events. 
YOU MUST VIEW THIS FILM BETWEEN NOV. 8 AND NOV. 14 using this link and password:
Click here to view film:  https://vimeopro.com/bullfrogfilms/kipcor-cooked
Password:  KC30p0 
Then on Sunday, November 15 at 2 pm, KIPCOR will host a virtual discussion of the film on Zoom with Christy Miller Hesed, a Hesston resident and Postdoctoral Associate in Environmental Anthropology at the University of Maryland.  Go to KIPCOR’s website at http://kipcor.org to register for the November 15 Talk-back discussion, and
we will send you the Zoom link on November 13.  Advance registration is required.

Mennonite Church USA Announcements:
· Mennonite Church USA offers these resources for election time: A statement on what it means to be a peacemaker at such a time: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/bold-peacemaking/. And the latest article on how different congregations across the country are preparing for potential violence in their cities: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/congregations-prepare-for-bold-peacemaking/  
· Giving Tuesday is coming up on December 1. Your contribution to Mission Network will help us Be the Gospel through our valued partnerships, ministries, and resources. Visit MennoniteMission.net/Donate to give on or before December 1. 
· Looking for a non-traditional pastoral role? Become a unit leader in Service Adventure, a gap-year program for ages 17–20 from Mennonite Mission Network. Unit leaders, at least 24 years of age, serve as mentors to the young adults in the household. Learn more by contacting SusanN@MennoniteMission.net. 

A memorable, meaningful and unique MCC gift to give this Christmas! Grab a piece of MCC history to use in a modern day Mennonite feeding station – your home! Get one for yourself and order more for family and friends. Hang it on the wall in your kitchen or dining room, display it on a shelf or use it as a serving tray! Remember the kitchen at your church, too. Each tray was uniquely handcrafted by an artisan in Siberia using Siberian hardwood. The tray is 16” in diameter and 2” deep. Suggested donation per tray is $150. Full details and pictures are available at https://mcc.org/feeding-station-tray.

We invite prayers for Joyce Holck and family on the death of her husband, Marvin Holck, November 1, 2020.  The memorial service was Friday, November 6 at Dyck Arboretum, Hesston, KS.

We invite prayers for Willis Harder and family on the death of his wife, Dorothy, November 4.  A private memorial service and inurnment are tentatively scheduled for next weekend.  

From the Finance Committee:
     The annual BCMC pledge drive is now called the bcmcXpress!  Multiple factors were involved in the name change, including that this is more in tune with our common purpose statement: “Our faith in a God of love leads us by the power of the spirit to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy and walking humbly with God.”  We know that to some extent the Pony Express played a part in the decimation of the Native American population in our country.  So, it was time for a change! 
     There will be no door to door handing out of the envelope as in the past. Those of you that have email contact from the church will receive an email with a “Giving Intent Form” that is fairly simple to fill out.  If you do not receive email from the church, the information should come to you via regular mail. 
     November 8 is Stewardship Sunday. The theme this year is “Where your treasure is, there is your heart” – taken from Matthew 6:19 to 21.
     In his sermon on the Mount, Jesus makes a connection between our treasure and our hearts: Not only do the possessions, money and property we accumulate tell the story of what we value; Jesus seems to suggest that the treasure we possess has the power to shape our values, priorities and lives.  
     Our congregation’s upcoming bcmcXpress process provides us with opportunity to reflect again on the role of money and wealth in our lives.  How might generosity—our willingness to share what we have with our congregation and beyond—help free us from the power that treasure holds over our lives?

Mennonite Central Committee Meat Canning time is upon us.  BCMC’s days to work are November 10, 11, and 12 (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday).  John Hillegass (MCC, Akron, PA) and Jason Unruh (MCC, North Newton) are working to make this season’s canning experience as safe as possible.  Masks will be required, temperatures scanned and extra precautions taken with snacks.  The workload is being reduced to four batches per day instead of six or seven and we should be finishing by late afternoon.  Starting time is 7 am.  If you don’t feel comfortable working, one can send a check to BCMC and write “MCC Meat Canning” on the memo line.  As Maynard Knepp says:  “The need is great.”   Thanks, Lowell Stucky, BCMC Meat Canning Representative, 316-283-9677 (please leave message.)

BCMC’s week to provide volunteers and meals to New Hope shelter is coming up Nov. 18-24.  We need some evening volunteers, overnight volunteers, and meals.  New Hope takes every Covid precaution, but I understand that that does not give 100% assurance.  If you have interest in helping, please contact Valetta Seymour at seymour2314@gmail.com   or 620-217-7536.

According to the latest numbers, we still need $666.12 to cover the elevator repair.  Based on the estimate from Regier Construction, we need $35,081.03 to cover the kitchen/fellowship hall renovation.
Contributions from January 1 through October 31 were $367,730 and expenses were $385,667, leaving a shortfall of $17,937.  
 ~ Mike Claassen, BCMC Finance Manager

BCMC Offering for October 25—November 1:  General Fund $4,742; MCC Meat Canning $225; Transfer-General $100; Office Expense $50; Living Stones $155; Bethel College Scholarship Fund $1,000; Elevator Repair $1,050.

The Hesston College Nursing program is partnering with Slate Creek Elementary, and looking for reusable mask donations from local businesses and organizations.  There are 200 students total who need pediatric sized masks.  The goal Hesston College Nursing has for the school is to promote mask hygiene, and the students will need another mask while they wait for theirs to dry after washing.  We understand that 200 masks is quite the undertaking, so any number of masks that you would be able to provide would be greatly appreciated.   If you would like to donate some child-sized masks, you can bring them to the BCMC office and the office will see to it that these masks are delivered to the Hesston College Nursing Program.  — Noah Miller, Hesston College Nursing Program

Everence to hold Medicare webinar: Nov. 16
Everence will host its popular workshop, Make Medicare an easy step, as a webinar on Monday, Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about the various Medicare plans and what they cover; plans that supplement Medicare; and enrollment details and deadlines. This webinar is free. Please register by contacting our office at 877-467-7294, 316-283-3800 or central.kansas@everence.com. 
*Attendance is recommended for those approaching retirement or those ready to sign up for Medicare. 
Advisory services offered through Investment Advisors, a division of ProEquities Inc., Registered Investment Advisors. Securities offered through ProEquities Inc., a registered broker-dealer, member FINRA and SIPC. Investments and other products are not NCUA or otherwise federally insured, may involve loss of principal and have no credit union guarantee. Products and services offered through Everence Trust Company and other Everence entities are independent of and are not guaranteed or endorsed by ProEquities, Inc., or its affiliates.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:   Janie and Neal Blough have retired in France after 45 years of ministry there through Mennonite Mission Network. Pray for them as they continue to serve by teaching and providing worship resources to congregations throughout Europe and beyond.

Western District Conference Prayer Request:  Pray for WDC pastor peer groups as they meet virtually or in person to offer support and encouragement to one another in their ministry.

Western District Conference Announcements:
· Giving Tuesday is December 1 – Western District Conference invites you to join this global giving initiative! Share a gift with WDC during this season, to help our congregations Witness & invite others to faith in Jesus Christ, Dwell in just & loving relationships, and Connect to God’s mission in the world. You may make an online contribution HERE or send a check to Western District Conference, PO Box 306, North Newton KS  67117. Thank you for your generosity!  
· Did you miss the WDC webinar “Connect:  Faith Formation in Challenging Times”?  You can watch a recording of the web and/or read through a list of the faith formation in the digital age resources that were referred to during the webinar at:  https://mennowdc.org/christian-nurture/. 

Camp Mennoscah announcements
· Camp Mennoscah is a year-round campground!  Ask about winterized facilities or conquer the prairie wilds in a tent.  It’s a whole new world in the winter–and available for you!  Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 to make a reservation.

Bethel College Announcements:
· Bethel College Women’s Association has worked to raise money for Bethel for many years.  This August we are opening our first online store, www.bcwamarketonline.com.  We invite you to help us support Bethel by checking this online market for crafts, jewelry, Bethel-themed items and much more. Our inventory will change over time so please check in to find that special gift or item for your home. 
· Baked goods sign up:  A call-out for local bakers to support Bethel College. For years Bethel College Women’s Association (BCWA) has been a location for 5 Places of Christmas selling crafts and baked goods. BCWA is asking for support in making baked items for the event which is December 5. Please follow the link below for sign-up options. Thanks for your continued support of Bethel College!  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4BABAF2EA4FDCF8-baked

Now on display in the Regier Art Gallery, Luyken Fine Arts Center, at Bethel College: “Noir + More,” recent work by Denise Brueggeman. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Please note that face coverings must be worn and physical distancing observed on the Bethel campus.

KIPCOR’s ONLINE 2020-2021 Film Series
The November film is Cooked: Survival by Zip Code, a multiple-award winning documentary that focuses on the deadly 1995 Chicago heat wave to illustrate how minorities and low-income citizens suffer the most negative impact from natural disasters.  The film is an indictment of our nation’s disaster preparedness, and forges a link between extreme weather, extreme disparity, and extreme racism. 
Note that watching the film and participating in the Talk-back are two distinct, separate events. 
YOU MUST VIEW THIS FILM BETWEEN NOV. 8 AND NOV. 14 using this link and password:
Click here to view film:  https://vimeopro.com/bullfrogfilms/kipcor-cooked
Password:  KC30p0 
Then on Sunday, November 15 at 2 pm, KIPCOR will host a virtual discussion of the film on Zoom with Christy Miller Hesed, a Hesston resident and Postdoctoral Associate in Environmental Anthropology at the University of Maryland.  Go to KIPCOR’s website at http://kipcor.org to register for the November 15 Talk-back discussion, and
we will send you the Zoom link on November 13.  Advance registration is required.

Mennonite Church USA Announcements:
· Mennonite Church USA offers these resources for election time: A statement on what it means to be a peacemaker at such a time: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/bold-peacemaking/. And the latest article on how different congregations across the country are preparing for potential violence in their cities: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/congregations-prepare-for-bold-peacemaking/  
· Giving Tuesday is coming up on December 1. Your contribution to Mission Network will help us Be the Gospel through our valued partnerships, ministries, and resources. Visit MennoniteMission.net/Donate to give on or before December 1. 
· Looking for a non-traditional pastoral role? Become a unit leader in Service Adventure, a gap-year program for ages 17–20 from Mennonite Mission Network. Unit leaders, at least 24 years of age, serve as mentors to the young adults in the household. Learn more by contacting SusanN@MennoniteMission.net. 

As of Oct 26, Pastor Dawn is back from sabbatical and fully engaged. You can expect to hear more about her experiences in the coming weeks! Her day off continues to be Monday.

Fall Back:  Remember Daylight Savings Time ends Sunday, November 1.  Set your clocks back one hour. 

We invite prayers for Marvin and Joyce Holck and their family during these last days of Marvin’s life.  Marvin is receiving hospice care at Newton Medical Center. 

Next week, Monica Lichti will be in the office in the mornings (8 am to 12 pm) and out of the office in the afternoons.  She is taking some vacation time by being out of the office in the afternoons.

Call for Poetry
Florence Schloneger shared some of her wonderful and evocative poetry Sunday, October 25, during her reflection time. I am sure there are more poets out there from Bethel College Mennonite Church.  It is a very good COVID activity!  Please send me your poems to share with the congregation.  Here is a seasonal one I just wrote. 

Jack-O-Lantern 
A four-sided jack-o-lantern
carved at church by my son,
he says they are
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

This is what these saints have become.
Triangle eyes and nose
lit up by one lonely candle
flickering in the wind at night.

How beautiful, how troubling
all our little traditions,
these strange points of contact
so fragile.

Any day you could walk away
saying it’s all so stupid,
but where else would you really go?
Others’ traditions, others’ folklore?

I say search
and still sink the knife
into the ripe orange flesh.
Carve out your piece of the gospel.

Let that little light shine,
Let that little light seek.
–Nathan Koontz

Mennonite Central Committee Meat Canning time is upon us.  BCMC’s days to work are November 10, 11, and 12 (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday).  John Hillegass (MCC, Akron, PA) and Jason Unruh (MCC, North Newton) are working to make this season’s canning experience as safe as possible.  Masks will be required, temperatures scanned and extra precautions taken with snacks.  The workload is being reduced to four batches per day instead of six or seven and we should be finishing by late afternoon.  Starting time is 7 am.  If you don’t feel comfortable working, one can send a check to BCMC and write “MCC Meat Canning” on the memo line.  As Maynard Knepp says:  “The need is great.”   Thanks, Lowell Stucky, BCMC Meat Canning Representative, 316-283-9677 (please leave message.)

Corrections for the 2020 Directory:
–Fitzsimons, Tommy** & Kasper, Rachel entry on page 19:  Address should be 211 Frank Ave.
–Mitchell, Nina** & Friesen, Mark entry on page 31:  Add telephone number of 785-766-6356—address is 807 Illinois Street, Lawrence, KS 66044
–Perez, Martin** & Unrau, Paula entry on page 34:  Address should be 385 Frio Rd, Bandera, TX 78003-4361
–Schmidt, Kimberly** & Linscheid, Joel entry on page 38:  Address should be 2 Arcadia St., #1, Roxbury, MA 02119
–Stanley Scott** & Banman, Nancy* Entry on page 39:  Address should be 419 SW 6th St., Newton, KS, 67114
–Stucky, Nathan on page 42:  Should be Stucky, Nathan P.

BCMC Offering for October 18-25:  General Fund $3,014; Office Expense $1.40; Living Stones $210; Elevator Repair $50.

Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request:   Tuesday is election day in the United States. Join Mennonite Mission Network in prayer for the vote to take place without violence and that leaders will be elected who will lead the country in ways of justice and peace.

Western District Conference Prayer Request:  Pray for God’s strength for chaplains and others in WDC caring for those facing pain, illness and death in the midst of the pandemic.

Western District Conference Announcement:
For WDC congregations using Corinthian Plan health insurance: The Corinthian Plan open enrollment begins November 1st through December 31st, 2020. For more information contact Duncan Smith at duncans@mennoniteusa.org or go to the Corinthian Plan website at https://www.mennoniteusa.org/ministry/the-corinthian-plan/. Also, for Corinthian Plan participants a reminder that there is a Premium Assistance fund for congregations suffering the financial impact of COVID-19. To learn more, contact Duncan or go to the website and look for the COVID resources in the grey box.  

Camp Mennoscah announcements
· Gardell Stucky, dedicated Facilities Director for the past 7 and a half years at Camp Mennoscah, is retiring as of October 30, 2020. You are invited to celebrate his time at Camp Mennoscah with a card or email: gardell.stucky@campmennoscah.org or PO Box 65, Murdock, KS 67111. Belated greetings will be forwarded to Gardell, so send without fear! Camp Mennoscah’s Board of Directors and staff thank Gardell for the many hours of work and the gracious kindness shared with everyone. Happy adventures, Gardell!
· With great hope, Camp Mennoscah is planning for the 2021 Summer Youth Camps.  Safety precautions due to the pandemic may require adjustments, but recruiting for summer staff will happen in the coming months.  Put on your best camp outfit and get ready for fun!  (Applications are not yet available.  We’re just making sure you’re excited.)
· Camp Mennoscah is a year-round campground!  Ask about winterized facilities or conquer the prairie wilds in a tent.  It’s a whole new world in the winter–and available for you!  Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290 to make a reservation.

KIPCOR’s 2020-2021 Peace Lecture Series.  KIPCOR will be live-streaming “Bridging the Cultural Divide in Difficult Times.”  with speaker Sarah Smarsh, Thursday, November 5, 7 pm.  Sarah focuses on socioeconomic class and rural America. Her book Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth, a New York Times bestseller and a finalist for the National Book Award, examines economic inequality through her upbringing among the working poor on a Kansas farm.  Sarah has reported on socioeconomic class for The Guardian, the New York Times, The New Yorker, Harper’s, and other publications.  Heartland was named a “best of 2018” by NPR, Fresh Air, the Boston Globe, Amazon, Buzzfeed, Barnes and Noble, and Publishers Weekly.  In addition to being short-listed for the National Book Award, Heartland was a finalist for the Kirkus Prize, the Lukas Prize, the Indie Choice Award, and an Audie Award for Smarsh’s reading of her audiobook.  Actor-producer Sarah Jessica Parker selected the title for the American Library Association’s Book Club Central.  Sarah is a regular political commentator in national media and has spoken internationally on poverty, rural issues, and cultural divides. She was recently a Fellow at Harvard’s Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy.  In 2019, Sarah released a podcast entitled The Homecomers, which focuses on how a national blind spot toward rural and working-class America is driving misleading headlines, broken politics, and dangerous fissures in our social fabric.  The podcast showcases stories of people who, as residents or advocates, remain committed to their complex, embattled homes.  This event is a fundraiser.  Registration (to be included in the November 4 emailing of the Zoom link), and a donation button if you want to help offset the cost of the event, are available at the website, www.KIPCOR.org.

KIPCOR’s ONLINE 2020-2021 Film Series
The November film is Cooked: Survival by Zip Code, a multiple-award winning documentary that focuses on the deadly 1995 Chicago heat wave to illustrate how minorities and low-income citizens suffer the most negative impact from natural disasters.  The film is an indictment of our nation’s disaster preparedness, and forges a link between extreme weather, extreme disparity, and extreme racism. 
Note that watching the film and participating in the Talk-back are two distinct, separate events. 
YOU MUST VIEW THIS FILM BETWEEN NOV. 8 AND NOV. 14 using this link and password:
Click here to view film:  https://vimeopro.com/bullfrogfilms/kipcor-cooked
Password:  KC30p0
Then on Sunday, November 15 at 2 pm, KIPCOR will host a virtual discussion of the film on Zoom with Christy Miller Hesed, a Hesston resident and Postdoctoral Associate in Environmental Anthropology at the University of Maryland.  Go to KIPCOR’s website at http://kipcor.org to register for the November 15 Talk-back discussion, and
we will send you the Zoom link on November 13.  Advance registration is required.

Mennonite Church USA Announcements:
· Pastor Sandy Drescher-Lehman and her husband, John, realized that when they stepped out of the way, God began a good work – right in their own backyard. Read their blog, “Hosting Hipcampers: Is this missional? Or spiritual?” at https://www.mennoniteusa.org/hipcampers.
· A new video series from Mennonite Church USA showcases the stories of Mennonites who are advocating for immigration justice and demonstrating radical hospitality.  Visit the Learn, Pray, Join web page for these and other resources: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/immigration/.
· Safwat Marzouk, associate professor at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, urges us to consider how the demographic changes in North America are providing an opportunity to recover a biblical vision of the church. Read his blog, “A church that embodies immigration justice and radical hospitality” at https://www.mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/church-embodies-immigration-justice-radical-hospitality/ 
· Giving Tuesday 2020 is Dec. 1. Live out your call to participate in and support the work of God. Visit MennoniteMission.net/GivingTuesday.

MEDA Convention 2020: Towards an equal world Join MEDA for 2 days of inspiration, information and networking online November 6-7, 2020. MEDA Convention is an intersection of faith and business where you can explore what it means to be faithful in daily work and learn about MEDA’s business solutions to poverty. Go to www.medaconvention.org for more information.

The Tabor Church Mennonite Men would like to invite everyone to the annual chicken barbeque on Nov. 5 from 5-7 pm or until the food runs out.  This year it will be a to-go pick up meal.  The menu is bbq chicken, baked beans, coleslaw, dinner roll and ice cream and the food will taste great as usual.  From the south end of the east parking lot please drive around the south side of the church under the overhang to place your donation and pick up your meal(s).  The funds raised will go to Mennonite Central Committee and Bethesda Home in Goessel.  The church is located 8 miles north of Newton to 90th then 1 mile east or 3 miles south and 1 east of Goessel.

In preparation for the upcoming election, Mennonite Church USA staff has released the following statement on peacemaking: 
Mennonite Church USA calls for bold peacemaking during the election

  By Mennonite Church USA staff
Peacemakers are most needed during times of uncertainty, fear and polarization.
The United States has been dealing with all three in 2020, exacerbated by a pandemic and the urgency surrounding the presidential election.
No one knows what will happen on or after Election Day. The heightened emotions and mistrust across the political spectrum make widespread violence seem more possible than in years past.
As followers of Jesus, what do we do in a time such as this?
Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
Our nation, states, cities and churches need peacemakers more than ever in the weeks and months ahead. Peacemakers do not hide safely behind the status quo, ignoring the rise of violence, while thanking God for personal safety. Peacemakers show up boldly with love and deepen relationships with those who are most vulnerable to bodily and systemic violence. Peacemakers consider the complexity of violence — that structural systems of oppression are already operating in violent ways. Peacemakers look at the roots of violence and join the work to seek transformative justice for all.
God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
Peacemaking is what Jesus demonstrated through his life, death and resurrection. It is what Mennonites have claimed for centuries and often struggled to embody. Now is a time to be bold in our peacemaking. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) We have a community of believers around us and the steadfast teachings of Jesus to guide us through these times.
During this time of uncertainty:
We call on government and public safety officials to fulfill their obligation to offer equal protection and access to the voting process for all registered voters.
We pray that all candidates and citizens honor the outcome of the election(s) and reject any violent reactions that bring harm to others if there are disputed results.
We pray for a Spirit of Peace to hover over our nation, bringing a sense of deep spiritual strength and groundedness during this fragile moment.
We pray that our churches act as agents of healing through nonviolent witness and tangible acts of love and service – even to our enemies — living into our call as people of God’s peace.

MC USA Executive Director Glen Guyton also will be sharing a message on peacemaking during his upcoming Facebook Live event on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 12:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. CT / 10:30 a.m. MT / 9:30 a.m. PT. View it here: https://www.facebook.com/MennoniteChurchUSA